INDIAN WATERS COUNCIL
Boy Scouts of America

Council #553 serves central South Carolina: Bamberg, Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland and Saluda counties.

Philmont 2009

Philmont 2009: Are You Ready?

Are you ready for the challenge? Indian Waters Council is now taking applications for both youth and adults for a 13 day trek in the rugged Rocky Mountains just outside, Cimarron, New Mexico. Participants must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America, be in good physical shape and meet a weight limit. Youth are to be 14 by January 2009 or be 13 and have completed the 8th grade by the date of departure. We will leave Columbia on June 13th and return on the 26th. The cost will be about $1500 with adjustments for fuel which will cover Philmont fee and airfare. A deposit of $100 will be due by December 31, 2008 with your application. If chosen all fees are non-refundable. Applications may be picked up at the scout service center. Questions can be answered by calling Ranny Keys 781-1398 or Vance Lackey 750-9868.
Weight limits for backpacking & hiking
Each participant in a Philmont trek must not exceed the maximum acceptable limit in the weight for height chart shown below. Every Philmont trek involves hiking with a 35-50 lb. backpack between 6,500 to 12,500 ft. elevations. Philmont recommends that participants carry a pack weighing no more than 25-30% of their body weight.
Participants 21 years and older who exceed the maximum acceptable weight limit for their height at the Philmont medical recheck, will not be permitted to backpack or hike at Philmont. Under no circumstance will any individual over 295 lbs. be allowed to participate regardless of height or age. This limit is necessary due to  limitations of rescue equipment and for the safety of Philmont  personnel. The maximum weight for any participant in a Cavalcade Trek and for horse rides is 200 lbs.

This table is based on the revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the Dept. of Health & Human Services.